Gov. Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to authorize statewide resources to fight the Flat Fire burning in Jefferson County.
The wildfire, burning just south of the Three Rivers and Grandview area, grew to over 3,300 acres by Friday morning.
High temperatures, dry weather and strong winds are pushing the fire, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
Officials issued evacuation orders Thursday after the fast-growing wildfire broke out about seven miles west of the city of Culver in Central Oregon.
#FlatFire located 3 miles west of Lake Billy Chinook is estimated at 3,300 acres. For more info visit https://t.co/XE8wvUl8XS pic.twitter.com/hjG3yY0zPF
— Central OR Fire Info (@CentralORFire) August 22, 2025
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation orders for people on Lake Billy Chinook public lands. Level 3 evacuation orders have also crept into Deschutes County just north of Sisters, Oregon.
Level 1 (Be Ready) and Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation orders are in place for the surrounding areas.
The state fire marshal has mobilized task forces from Lane, Marion and Washington counties to fight the fire.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality also issued an air quality advisory in Jefferson, Deschutes and western Crook counties due to the fire.
The DEQ expects the advisory to last at least until Monday evening, Aug. 25, and advises residents to stay indoors. Residents and businesses should open windows only once the air quality improves to moderate or healthy levels.
An evacuation shelter has been set up at the Highland Baptist Church located at 3100 SW Highland Ave. in Redmond.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Resources: Stay safe and informed during wildfire season with OPB’s wildfire guide at opb.org/wildfires. This resource offers essential safety tips and preparedness guidance to help you navigate fire and smoke events. This resource was created as part of our commitment to serving the public as wildfire seasons become longer and more dangerous.
